Not only are Ian Eagle and son Noah Eagle both among the most high-profile broadcasters in sports these days, they circle one another across multiple sports. So father and son watch each other’s broadcasts regularly, and of course have their favorites. In a new interview with GQ Magazine, the elder Eagle highlighted a specific NFL game from two years ago as his favorite broadcast by the younger Eagle so far in his career.
In Week 15 of the NFL season that year, the Minnesota Vikings completed the biggest comeback in league history over the Indianapolis Colts. Noah was on the call alongside Nate Burleson for NFL Network.
With the Colts up 33 midway through the third quarter before the Vikings flipped the switch, the game went from blowout to thriller in a hurry. Ian, watching from home, was impressed that Noah brought the necessary energy and awareness to such a crazy game and historic moment.
“It was a roller coaster ride, and there were probably three or four loops in the fourth quarter. I just know, from a play-by-play perspective, what that requires,” Ian told GQ. “Maintaining energy, recognizing situations, how important one play may be, the domino effect, and never giving up on the game.”
Whether it was noting when quarterback Kirk Cousins’ voice cracked on the snap before a touchdown pass, hyping up Justin Jefferson’s griddy dance touchdown celebration in the fourth, or delivering a signature “MAGIC, IN MINNEAPOLIS” call after a 64-yard touchdown cut the deficit to 2, Noah certainly rose to the occasion.
Ian appreciated the poise and excitement Noah and Burleson brought to the broadcast. He also knew from a career in the booth that those games only come but so often for a sports announcer.
“I just felt that he and Nate Burleson handled it incredibly well,” Ian told GQ. “I told them afterwards, you could call NFL games for the next 40 years, and you’re never going to get a game like that.”
This summer, Noah Eagle will get a chance to add to his highlight reel as a broadcaster while calling the U.S. men’s basketball team for NBC. In the fall, Noah will again be the voice of Big Ten Saturday Night college football and is likely in line to be a top NBA voice for the network when its NBA package begins in the 2025-26 season.
About Brendon Kleen
Brendon is a Media Commentary staff writer at Awful Announcing. He has also covered basketball and sports business at Front Office Sports, SB Nation, Uproxx and more.